The rise of Coronavirus cases hasn’t stopped primary home buying in less populated suburban or rural areas as the housing market recovers from pandemic-induced shutdowns, a new Realtor.com study reveals.

The small, quaint Texas Gulf Coast beach town of Port Aransas, for instance, attracts buyers within convenient driving distance (a few hours) from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Corpus Christi (some 20 miles away). Commercial air service is also available 30 minutes away at Corpus Christi International Airport.

Set along 18 miles of uninterrupted wide beachfront on Mustang Island, Port A (as it’s affectionately called) is known for its low density, plenty of open green space, protected natural surroundings and high-quality, low-rise properties — many with plenty of indoor and outdoor space and beachfront property between them.

Families and couples will discover a more laid-back, friendly, small-town vacation atmosphere with comfortable home office space as more professionals shift away from traditional office buildings in larger cities. They can send their kids to an “A” Rated School District by the Texas Education Agency, while Port A is also home to the prestigious University of Texas, Marine Science Institute, whose main campus is in Austin.

Port A’s culture  also creates  a better environment for social distancing versus many typical high density beach towns, known for strips of closely built high rise, block-style hotels and condos. Alternatively, Port A includes such properties as:

  • Cinnamon Shore, an upscale 1,000-acre master-planned beachfront, family- and pedestrian-friendly community that will add Cinnamon Shore South, a $1.3 billion, 300-acre expansion that will more than quadruple the existing community. It will include luxury homes, Town Center residences, community pools, a dining district with several restaurants, a retail destination and a health and wellness center.
  •  Sunflower Beach Resort & Residences is nestled among 50 acres of protected dune preserves and features beach homes, several lots, The Row Family Villas townhomes, luxury beach cabins at The Camp, and 21 single level poolside condos. The next two phases at The Camp Luxury Cabins and the first Pool Residences condo building will be breaking ground in the coming months.  The first townhome building is nearing completion and shaping up to be a statement craftsman style vacation ownership opportunity. 

Claimed to be the state’s original “ISLAND LIFE” destination, Port A has long been recognized as a top deep sea fishing destination for its proximity to deep water on the edge of the continental shelf, while also offering outstanding bay fishing in the waters surrounding Mustang Island.

Home to hundreds of permanent and migrating birds, Mustang Island features six sites along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Home owners can also swim, surf, fish, hike, bike and kayak at Mustang Island State Park, or see stunning views of the island’s massive wetlands at the Port Aransas Wetland Park.

Getting around by open-air golf carts is a big part of Port A’s culture, where drivers and passengers inhale fresh air and are less confined to traditional cars. Another big cultural aspect is a strong sense of community with numerous civic organizations and houses of worship.

Below: The new Cinnamon Shore South development. (At top: 4 bed 6 bath home with a bar, elevator, great room, for every door. The 3rd floor is the master suite dressing area, coffee bar, wrap around deck, and complete wet room with double shower systems, and a 7’ black stone tub behind glass walls. Entrance to the 3rd floor is greeted with a blue glass block wall at Sunflower Beach, designed by Trademark Home Designs.)